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CD Review: Presque Vu

210 and a Moustache

This hip-hop group describes itself as the "Backstreet Boys performing Pretty Hate Machine, remixed by DJ Shadow, Phantogram, and Dr. Dre." That's not too far off the mark. 210 and a Moustache certainly pulls some sounds from Nine Inch Nails, and it is deeply influenced by hip-hop. But the gruff-voiced rapping on "Transference" and "Missing Balfour" isn't very good. Still, the music has a raucous energy — especially on the breakup ballads, which are Presque Vu's strong suit. Despite some vocal shortcomings, the album's 16 tracks reveal an ambitious group. — Jeff Niesel